Melbourne Storm has been “mixing things up” for Jason Ryles who could take over Parramatta armed with skills beyond the coaches box if he was the man to replace Brad Arthur.
Ryles is one of the names strongly being linked to the Eels, who have formed a committee led by chief executive Jim Sarantinos to find the next coach after Arthur, who had previously been an assistant to Craig Bellamy in Melbourne, was axed after a massive loss to the Storm in Brisbane last weekend.
Having been lured back to Storm where he finished his playing career to potentially succeed Bellamy, Ryles has been left in limbo after the master coach agreed to go on for a staggering 23rd season in 2025.
Ryles has compiled a significant coaching resume, having worked for the Wallabies and under England coach Eddie Jones in rugby and with Trent Robinson at the Sydney Roosters before returning to Melbourne.
Bellamy said the 45-year-old would go with his blessing, and a few new skills, should the Eels come calling.
“We don’t want him to go but it’s not very often that you get those sort of opportunities so if he wanted to go I wouldn’t imagine we would stand in his way,” Bellamy said on Wednesday.
“He’s doing a really good job for us.
“He’s doing some defence with our ruck but he’s also taken on the role as leadership coach and a bit in recruitment. We’re mixing things up for him.”
Bellamy said he would reach out to Arthur in the coming days after what he suggested was a “tough call” convinced he would land at another club.
“I’m sure he will find another club – he’s a good coach and really good person so he will find another job,“ Bellamy said.
Storm return to Brookvale Oval on Friday night to take on Manly with star halfback Jahrome Hughes named to return from a calf complaint but minus Cameron Munster who could miss up to 10 weeks after suffering an adductor tear.
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